By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal and Judges of the National Industrial Court in Katampe District, Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening judicial independence and improving the welfare of judicial officers.
The groundbreaking ceremony monitored live by The Story, on News Central on Tuesday June 16, 2026, was performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who described the project as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
The project comprises 10 residential units for Justices of the Court of Appeal and additional accommodation for Judges of the National Industrial Court, adding to ongoing efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide befitting housing for members of the judiciary.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his diligence, commitment and efficiency in implementing President Tinubu’s directive to improve judicial infrastructure.
“The successful execution of this project is a testament to what can be achieved when governance is guided by vision, commitment and a sincere desire to serve the public interest,” he said.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has consistently demonstrated its support for the judiciary through strategic interventions designed to provide secure accommodation, conducive working environments and institutional support necessary for judicial officers to perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
He stressed that a strong and independent judiciary remains critical to national development, economic growth and democratic stability.
“A well-supported judiciary promotes confidence in the justice system, strengthens the rule of law, enhances investment confidence and contributes to social stability. Every effort made to strengthen judicial institutions is an investment in democracy, peace and national development,” the Attorney-General stated.
Fagbemi expressed confidence that the new facilities would enhance the welfare, comfort and operational efficiency of judicial officers while improving the quality of justice delivery across the country.
He also urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing more resources in judicial infrastructure and welfare.
“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure that their judiciaries are adequately funded and provided with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he added.
Earlier, the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the project was in fulfilment of President Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the judiciary through sustained investment in critical infrastructure and improved welfare for judicial officers.
Wike noted that the President had directed the FCTA to address accommodation challenges facing members of the judiciary, stressing that judges deserve secure and dignified living conditions that would enable them to discharge their duties without distraction.
The minister explained that the Federal Government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of improving judicial welfare nationwide and challenged state governments to do more for their respective judiciary.
“The Federal Government cannot do everything. I challenge state governments to do more. Do not leave everything for the Federal Government.
“Provide accommodation and other necessary support for judicial officers serving in your states,” Wike said.
He maintained that strengthening the welfare of judicial officers was essential to protecting the independence of the judiciary and deepening public confidence in the justice system.
The minister reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ensuring that judicial officers have access to quality infrastructure and a conducive environment for service delivery.
The Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising investments in judicial infrastructure, describing the project as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Adayilo also commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their visionary leadership and hands-on supervision of critical infrastructure projects across the territory.
She also commended Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their visionary leadership and hands-on supervision of critical projects across the territory.
Adayilo said the new residences would enhance the security, well-being and effectiveness of judicial officers in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She assured stakeholders that the FCT Administration would continue to implement projects that align with the aspirations of residents and contribute to national development.
The ceremony was attended by senior judicial officers, government officials, traditional rulers, Senators, stakeholders and representatives of the construction firms handling the project.
The judges’ housing initiative forms part of a broader judicial infrastructure programme being executed by the FCTA under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which seeks to strengthen governance institutions and improve public service delivery across the country.
